Herman Edward Payne, Jr.

June 16, 1934 - January 28, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, Herman Edward Payne of Washington DC on January 28th and our stepmother Sara Dashiell Payne of Leesburg, Virginia on February 3rd. Herman was preceded in death by his teenage sweetheart and wife of over 54 years, Maryann Carson Payne. His survivors include his 3 children, James Edward Payne (Elaine) of Waldorf, Maryland, his daughter Deborah Ann McGrann (Jim) of Ellicott City, Maryland and his daughter Kathleen Massey (Scott) from Indiantown, Florida. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind 4 grandchildren: Jennifer McGrann Saraceno, Jimmy McGrann, Mark Payne, and Diane Payne; and 3 beloved great grandchildren: Ella, Avery, and John of Mount Airy, MD. Herman was born in Washington DC in 1934 during the depression. He considered himself a poor street kid. His greatest gift was meeting and marrying Mary Ann Carson. They built a life together starting in Washington DC and ending in Grand Island. Wherever they lived, they considered their neighbors their family, sharing holidays, family dinners and everyday life. Mary Ann’s Crab Shack was one of their greatest accomplishments, along with the many people they helped through their real estate projects. Herman was a proud fireman in Washington DC, serving from 1937-1978. Serving as an ambulance driver early in his career, he safely delivered 57 babies. He was haunted by the children he could not save. He served his community as a Town Council member of Brentwood, MD. Later he was elected County Councilman of Prince George's County, MD. He was a member of many civic organizations. He was most proud of being the youngest 32nd degree Mason with the Westgate Lodge in Mount Rainier, MD. Herman was a man who lived a life with no regrets. He considered being born in the United States a gift from God. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared on the tribute wall.